1st Vespers

Matins

Lauds

Prime

Terce

Sext

None

2nd Vespers

COLLECT OF THE DAY

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

First Vespers

The first part of Vespers is in the Ordinary

Ant.   Angelis suis * Deus mandávit de te, ut custódiant te in ómnibus viis tuis.

Ant.  God shall give his Angels * charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Psalmus 109.  Dixit Dominus

Dixit Dóminus Dómino meo: * Sede a dextris meis:
2  Donec ponam inimícos tuos, * scabéllum pedum tuórum.
3  Virgam virtútis tuæ emíttet Dóminus ex Sion: * domináre in médio inimicórum tuórum.
4  Tecum princípium in die virtútis tuæ in splendóribus sanctórum: * ex útero ante lucíferum génui te.
5  Jurávit Dóminus, et non pœnitébit eum: * Tu es sacérdos in ætérnum secúndum órdinem Melchísedech.
6  Dóminus a dextris tuis, * confrégit in die iræ suæ reges.
7  Judicábit in natiónibus, implébit ruínas: * conquassábit cápita in terra multórum.
8  De torrénte in via bibet: * proptérea exaltábit caput.

The Lord said unto my Lord, * Sit thou on my right hand:
2  Until I make thine enemies * thy footstool.
3  The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: * be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
4  Thine shall be the dominion in the day of thy power, amid the brightness of the saints : * from the womb before the day star have I begotten thee.
5  The Lord sware, and will not repent, * Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6  The Lord upon thy right hand * shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7  He shall judge among the heathen; he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: * and smite in sunder the heads over divers countries.
8  He shall drink of the brook in the way; * therefore shall he lift up his head.

Ant.   Angelis suis Deus mandávit de te, ut custódiant te in ómnibus viis tuis.

Ant.  God shall give his Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Ant.   Laudémus Dóminum, * quem laudant Angeli, quem Chérubim et Séraphim, sanctus, sanctus, sanctus proclámant.

Ant.   Let us praise the Lord * whom the angels do praise, unto whom Cherubim and Seraphim do cry, Holy, Holy, Holy.

Psalmus 110.  Confitebor

Confitébor tibi, Dómine, in toto corde meo: * in consílio justórum, et congregatióne.
2  Magna ópera Dómini: * exquisíta in omnes voluntátes ejus.
3  Conféssio et magnificéntia opus ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Memóriam fecit mirabílium suórum, miséricors et miserátor Dóminus: * escam dedit timéntibus se.
5  Memor erit in sæculum testaménti sui: * virtútem óperum suórum annuntiábit pópulo suo:
6  Ut det illis hereditátem géntium: * ópera mánuum ejus véritas, et judícium.
7  Fidélia ómnia mandáta ejus: confirmáta in sæculum sæculi, * facta in veritáte et æquitáte.
8  Redemptiónem misit pópulo suo: * mandávit in ætérnum testaméntum suum.
9  (fit reverentia) Sanctum, et terríbile nomen ejus: * inítium sapiéntiæ timor Dómini.
10  Intelléctus bonus ómnibus faciéntibus eum: * laudátio ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.

Psalm 110.  Confitebor

I will give thanks unto the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the righteous, and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, * meet to serve for the doing of his will.
3  His work is worthy to be praised and had in honour, * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  He hath made a memorial of his marvellous works; the Lord is merciful and gracious : * he hath given meat unto them that fear him.
5  He shall ever be mindful of his covenant : * he will shew his people the power of his works.
6  That he may give them the heritage of the heathen : * the works of his hands are verity and judgment.
7  All his commandments are true; they stand fast for ever and ever : * and are done in truth and equity.
8  He sent redemption unto his people; * he hath commanded his covenant for ever.
9  (all bow) Holy and terrible is his Name : * the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
10  A good understanding have all they that do thereafter; * his praise endureth for ever.

Ant.   Laudémus Dóminum, quem laudant Angeli, quem Chérubim et Séraphim, sanctus, sanctus, sanctus proclámant.

Ant.   Let us praise the Lord whom the angels do praise, unto whom Cherubim and Seraphim do cry, Holy, Holy, Holy.

Ant.   Angeli eórum * semper vident fáciem Patris mei, qui est in cælis.

Ant.   Their Angels * do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Psalmus 111.  Beatus vir

Beátus vir, qui timet Dóminum: * in mandátis ejus volet nimis.
2  Potens in terra erit semen ejus: * generátio rectórum benedicétur.
3  Glória, et divítiæ in domo ejus: * et justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi.
4  Exórtum est in ténebris lumen rectis: * miséricors, et miserátor, et justus.
5  Jucúndus homo qui miserétur et cómmodat, dispónet sermónes suos in judício: * quia in ætérnum non commovébitur.
6  In memória ætérna erit justus: * ab auditióne mala non timébit.
7  Parátum cor ejus speráre in Dómino, confirmátum est cor ejus: * non commovébitur donec despíciat inimícos suos.
8  Dispérsit, dedit paupéribus: justítia ejus manet in sæculum sæculi, * cornu ejus exaltábitur in glória.
9  Peccátor vidébit, et irascétur, déntibus suis fremet et tabéscet: * desidérium peccatórum períbit.

Psalm 111.  Beatus vir

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; * he hath great delight in his commandments.
2  His seed shall be mighty upon earth; * the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.
3  Glory and riches shall be in his house; * and his righteousness endureth for ever.
4  Unto the godly there ariseth up light in the darkness; * he is merciful, loving, and righteous.
5  Happy is the man that sheweth mercy, and lendeth; he will guide his words with discretion : * for he shall never be moved.
6  The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance : * he shall not be afraid of any evil tidings.
7  His heart is ready, trusting in the Lord, his heart is stablished, * he shall not be afraid until he see his desire upon his enemies.
8  He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor, and his righteousness remaineth for ever; * his horn shall be exalted with honour.
9  The ungodly shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and consume away; * the desire of the ungodly shall perish.

Ant.   Angeli eórum semper vident fáciem Patris mei, qui est in cælis.

Ant.   Their Angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Ant.    Benedíctus Deus, * qui misit Angelum suum, et éruit servos suos qui credidérunt in eum.

Ant.    Blessed be God, * who sent his Angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him.

Psalmus 112.  Laudate, pueri

Laudáte, púeri, Dóminum: * laudáte nomen Dómini.
2  (fit reverentia) Sit nomen Dómini benedíctum, * ex hoc nunc, et usque in sæculum.
3  A solis ortu usque ad occásum, * laudábile nomen Dómini.
4  Excélsus super omnes gentes Dóminus, * et super cælos glória ejus.
5  Quis sicut Dóminus, Deus noster, qui in altis hábitat, * et humília réspicit in cælo et in terra?
6  Súscitans a terra ínopem, * et de stércore érigens páuperem:
7  Ut cóllocet eum cum princípibus, * cum princípibus pópuli sui.
8  Qui habitáre facit stérilem in domo, * matrem filiórum lætántem.

Psalm 112.  Laudate, pueri

Praise the Lord, O ye his servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2  (all bow) Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.
3  From the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, * the Lord's Name be praised.
4  The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.
5  Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling on high, * and beholdeth what is lowly in heaven and in the earth?
6  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, * and lifteth the needy out of the dung hill.
7  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

Ant.    Benedíctus Deus, qui misit Angelum suum, et éruit servos suos qui credidérunt in eum.

Ant.    Blessed be God, who sent his Angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him.

Ant.   Laudáte Deum, * omnes Angeli ejus : laudáte eum, omnes Virtútes ejus.

Ant.   Praise him, * all ye Angels of his, praise him, all his host.

Psalmus 116.  Laudate Dominum

Laudáte Dóminum, omnes Gentes: * laudáte eum, omnes pópuli :
2  Quóniam confirmáta est super nos misericórdia ejus: * et véritas Dómini manet in ætérnum.

Psalm 116.  Laudate Dominum

O praise the Lord, all ye nations; * praise him, all ye peoples.
2  For his mercy is confirmed upon us; * and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever.

Ant.   Laudáte Deum, omnes Angeli ejus : laudáte eum, omnes Virtútes ejus.

Ant.   Praise him, all ye Angels of his, praise him, all his host.

STAND

Capitulum                      Exod. 23. 20-21.
Ecce ego mittam Angelum meum, qui præcédat te et custódiat in via et introdúcat in locum quem parávi.  Obsérva eum et audi vocem ejus.
R.  Deo grátias.

The Little Chapter          Exod. 23. 20-21.
Behold, I sent mine Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.  Beware of him, and obey his voice.
R.  Thanks be to God.

Custódes hóminum psállimus Angelos,
Natúræ frágili quos Pater áddidit
Cæléstis cómites, insidiántibus
Ne succúmberet hóstibus.

Nam, quod corrúerit próditor ángelus,
Concéssis mérito pulsus honóribus,
Ardens invídia péllere nítitur
Quos cælo Deus ádvocat.

Huc, custos, ígitur pérvigil ádvola,
Avértens pátria de tibi crédita
Tam morbos ánimi quam requiéscere
Quidquid non sinit íncolas.

Sanctæ sit Tríadi laus pia júgiter,
Cujus perpétuo númine máchina
Triplex hæc régitur, cujus in ómnia
Regnat glória sæcula.  Amen.

The Guardians of our race, our Angel Guides we hail;
Our Father sendeth forth to aid our nature frail
These heavenly friends, lest we should suffer overthrow
Through cunning of our subtle foe.

For he, who justly lost the honour once his own,
The traitor-angel, rues his lost and vacant throne,
With burning envy strives to make them fall away
Whom God doth call to heavenly day.

Then, watchful Guardian, spread thy wings and cleave the air,
Haste hither to our home committed to thy care;
Drive thence each noxious ill that might the soul infest,
Nor suffer danger here to rest.

Now to the holy Three your praise devoutly pour;
His glorious Godhead guides and governs evermore
Creation's triple frame: to him ascribe we praise
Who reigns through everlasting days.  Amen.

V.  In conspéctu Angelórum psallam tibi, Deus meus.
R.  Adorábo ad templum sanctum tuum, et confitébor nómini tuo.

V.  Even before the Angels will I sing praise unto thee, my God.
R.  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy Name.

Ad Magnif. Ant:  Omnes sunt * administratórii Spíritus, in ministérium missi propter eos, qui hereditátem cápiunt salútis.

Ant. on Magnif:  Are they not * all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Oremus.
Deus, qui ineffábili providéntia sanctos Angelos tuos ad nostram custódiam míttere dignáris : largíre supplícibus tuis ; et eórum semper protectióne deféndi, et ætérna societáte gaudére.  Per Dóminum.

Let us pray.
O God, who of thy ineffable providence dost vouchsafe to send thy holy Angels to be our guardians : grant to us thy humble servants ; that we may in this life ever be defended by their protection, and rejoice in their everlasting company in heaven.  Through.

COMMEMORATIONS, if there be any

CLOSING VERSICLES AND THAT WHICH FOLLOWETH

Sunday Compline

Matins

The first part of Matins is in the Ordinary

Invitatory and Hymn

First Nocturn

Second Nocturn

Third Nocturn

Invitatory and Hymn

Regem Angelórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Angels, * O come, let us worship.

Regem Angelórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Angels, * O come, let us worship.

Psalmus 94.
Venite, exsultemus Domino

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro : præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us heartily rejoice in the God of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving ; and shew ourselves glad in him with psalms.

Regem Angelórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Angels, * O come, let us worship.

Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos : quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam : quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

For the Lord is a great God ; and a great King above all gods:  For the Lord will not cast off his people:  In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

In the following verse of the Psalm, at the words veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum (O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker) all genuflect.

Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus : veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum : plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus Deus noster ; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

The sea is his and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land.  O come, let us worship and fall down, and kneel before the Lord our Maker: For he is the Lord our God ; and we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Regem Angelórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Angels, * O come, let us worship.

Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne, secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto : ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness ; when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi : Semper hi errant corde ; ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas : quibus jurávi in ira mea : Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their hearts, for they have not known my ways:  unto whom I sware in my wrath, that they should not enter into my rest.

Regem Angelórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Angels, * O come, let us worship.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.  Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper,  et in sæcula sæculórum.  Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost:  as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Veníte, adorémus.

O come, let us worship.

Regem Angelórum Dóminum, * Veníte, adorémus.

The Lord, the King of Angels, * O come, let us worship.

Custódes hóminum psállimus Angelos,
Natúræ frágili quos Pater áddidit
Cæléstis cómites, insidiántibus
Ne succúmberet hóstibus.

Nam, quod corrúerit próditor ángelus,
Concéssis mérito pulsus honóribus,
Ardens invídia péllere nítitur
Quos cælo Deus ádvocat.

Huc, custos, ígitur pérvigil ádvola,
Avértens pátria de tibi crédita
Tam morbos ánimi quam requiéscere
Quidquid non sinit íncolas.

Sanctæ sit Tríadi laus pia júgiter,
Cujus perpétuo númine máchina
Triplex hæc régitur, cujus in ómnia
Regnat glória sæcula.  Amen.

The Guardians of our race, our Angel Guides we hail;
Our Father sendeth forth to aid our nature frail
These heavenly friends, lest we should suffer overthrow
Through cunning of our subtle foe.

For he, who justly lost the honour once his own,
The traitor-angel, rues his lost and vacant throne,
With burning envy strives to make them fall away
Whom God doth call to heavenly day.

Then, watchful Guardian, spread thy wings and cleave the air,
Haste hither to our home committed to thy care;
Drive thence each noxious ill that might the soul infest,
Nor suffer danger here to rest.

Now to the holy Three your praise devoutly pour;
His glorious Godhead guides and governs evermore
Creation's triple frame: to him ascribe we praise
Who reigns through everlasting days.  Amen.

As soon as the introductory part of Matins is finished, there is begun The First Nocturn.

First Nocturn

Ant.    Dóminus, Deus * cæli et terræ, ipse mittet Angelum suum coram te.

Ant.    The Lord God * of heaven and earth shall send his Angel before thee.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 8.  Domine, Dominus noster

Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!
2  Quóniam eleváta est magnificéntia tua, * super cælos.
3  Ex ore infántium et lacténtium perfecísti laudem propter inimícos tuos, * ut déstruas inimícum et ultórem.
4  Quóniam vidébo cælos tuos, ópera digitórum tuórum: * lunam et stellas, quæ tu fundásti.
5  Quid est homo quod memor es ejus? * aut fílius hóminis, quóniam vísitas eum?
6  Minuísti eum paulo minus ab Angelis, glória et honóre coronásti eum: * et constituísti eum super ópera mánuum tuárum.
7  Omnia subjecísti sub pédibus ejus, * oves et boves univérsas : ínsuper et pécora campi.
8  Vólucres cæli, et pisces maris, * qui perámbulant sémitas maris.
9  Dómine, Dóminus noster, * quam admirábile est nomen tuum in univérsa terra!

O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!
2  For thou hast set thy glory * above the heavens.
3  Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklings hast thou perfected praise, because of thine enemies, * that thou mightest destroy the enemy and the avenger.
4  For I will consider thy heavens, even the works of thy fingers; * the moon and the stars which thou hast ordained;
5  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? * and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
6  Thou madest him lower than the Angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and worship : * thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands.
7  Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet : * all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
8  The fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; * and whatsoever walketh through the paths of the seas.
9  O Lord our Governour, * how excellent is thy Name in all the world!

Ant.    Dóminus, Deus cæli et terræ, ipse mittet Angelum suum coram te.

Ant.    The Lord God of heaven and earth shall send his Angel before thee.

Ant.    Deus meus * misit Angelum suum et conclúsit ora leónum, et non nocuérunt mihi.

Ant.    My God * hath sent his Angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 10.  In Domino confido

In Dómino confído : quómodo dícitis ánimæ meæ: * Tránsmigra in montem sicut passer?
2  Quóniam ecce peccatóres intendérunt arcum, paravérunt sagíttas suas in pháretra, * ut sagíttent in obscúro rectos corde.
3  Quóniam quæ perfecísti, destruxérunt: * justus autem quid fecit?
4  Dóminus in templo sancto suo, * Dóminus in cælo sedes ejus.
5  Oculi ejus in páuperem respíciunt: * pálpebræ ejus intérrogant fílios hóminum.
6  Dóminus intérrogat justum et ímpium: * qui autem díligit iniquitátem, odit ánimam suam.
7  Pluet super peccatóres láqueos: * ignis, et sulphur, et spíritus procellárum pars cálicis eórum.
8  Quóniam justus Dóminus, et justítias diléxit: * æquitátem vidit vultus ejus.

Psalm 10.  In Domino confido

In the Lord do I put my trust : how say ye then to my soul, * that she should flee as a bird unto the hill?
2  For lo, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrows within the quiver, * that they may shoot in the dark at them which are true of heart.
3  For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made : * and what hath the righteous done?
4  The Lord is in his holy temple; * the Lord's seat is in heaven.
5  His eyes consider the poor, * and his eyelids try the children of men.
6  The Lord trieth the righteous and the wicked : * but he that delighteth in wickedness, abhoreth his own soul.
7  Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, * fire and brimstone, storm and tempest shall be their portion to drink.
8  For the Lord is righteous and loveth righteousness; * his countenance hath beholden the thing that is just.

Ant.    Deus meus misit Angelum suum et conclúsit ora leónum, et non nocuérunt mihi.

Ant.    My God hath sent his Angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me.

Ant.    Bene ambulétis, * et Dóminus sit in itínere vestro, et Angelus ejus comitétur vobíscum.

Ant.    Go prosperously, * and the Lord be with you in your journey, and his Angel keep you company.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 14.  Domine, quis habitabit?

Dómine, quis habitábit in tabernáculo tuo? * aut quis requiéscet in monte sancto tuo?
2  Qui ingréditur sine mácula, * et operátur justítiam :
3  Qui lóquitur veritátem in corde suo, * qui non egit dolum in lingua sua :
4  Nec fecit próximo suo malum, * et oppróbrium non accépit advérsus próximos suos.
5  Ad níhilum dedúctus est in conspéctu ejus malígnus: * timéntes autem Dóminum gloríficat :
6  Qui jurat próximo suo, et non décipit, * qui pecúniam suam non dedit ad usúram, et múnera super innocéntem non accépit.
7  Qui facit hæc: * non movébitur in ætérnum.

Psalm 14.  Domine, quis habitabit?

Lord, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? * or who shall rest upon thy holy hill?
2  Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life, * and doeth the thing which is right.
3  He that speaketh the truth in his heart, * and that hath used no deceit in his tongue.
4  Nor done evil to his neighbour, * and hath not taken up slander against his neighbour.
5  In his sight the malicious is brought to nought, * but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord.
6  He that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not, * he that hath not given his money upon usury, nor taken reward against the innocent.
7  Whoso doeth these things * shall never fall.

Ant.    Bene ambulétis, et Dóminus sit in itínere vestro, et Angelus ejus comitétur vobíscum.

Ant.    Go prosperously, and the Lord be with you in your journey, and his Angel keep you company.

STAND

V.  Stetit Angelus juxta aram templi.
R.  Habens thuríbulum áureum in manu sua.

V.  An Angel stood at the altar of the temple.
R.  Having a golden censer in his hand.

Absolutio: Exáudi, Dómine Jesu Christe, preces servórum tuórum, et miserére nobis : Qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivis et regnas in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  Graciously hear, O Lord Jesu Christ, the prayers of thy servants, and have mercy upon us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

Benedíctio 1: Benedictióne perpétua benedícat nos Pater ætérnus.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 1:  May the Father Eternal bless us with a never-ending blessing.
R.  Amen.

De libro Exodi

The Lesson is taken from the Book of Exodus

Ecce ego mittam Angelum meum, qui præcédat te et custódiat in via et introdúcat in locum quem parávi.  Obsérva eum et audi vocem ejus, nec contemnéndum putes, quia non dimíttet, cum peccáveris, et est nomen meum in illo.  Quod, si audíeris vocem ejus et féceris ómnia quæ loquor, inimícus ero inimícis tuis et afflígam affligéntes te.  Præcedétque te Angelus meus.

Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.  Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.  But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.  For mine Angel shall go before thee.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Angelis suis Deus mandávit de te, ut custódiant te in ómnibus viis tuis : * In mánibus portábunt te, ne umquam offéndas ad lápidem pedem tuum.
V.  Míllia míllium ministrábant ei, et decies míllies centéna míllia assistébant ei.
R.  In mánibus portábunt te, ne umquam offéndas ad lápidem pedem tuum.

R.  God shall give his Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways : *  They shall bear thee in their hands, that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone.
V.  Thousands of thousands did minister unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
R.  They shall bear thee in their hands, that thou hurt not thy foot against a stone.

Benedíctio 2: Unigénitus Dei Fílius nos benedícere et adjuváre dignétur.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 2: May the Son of God, the sole-begotten, mercifully bless and keep us.
R.  Amen.

De Zacharía Prophéta

The Lesson is taken from Zechariah the Prophet

Factum est verbum Dómini ad Zacharíam, fílium Barachíæ fílii Addo, prophétam, dicens : Vidi per noctem, et ecce Vir ascéndens super equum rufum, et ipse stabat inter myrtéta, quæ erant in profúndo, et post eum equi rufi, várii et albi, et dixi : Quid sunt isti, Dómine mi?  Et dixit ad me Angelus qui loquebátur in me ; Ego osténdam tibi quid sint hæc.  Et respóndit vir qui stabat inter myrtéta et dixit : Isti sunt quos misit Dóminus ut perámbulent terram.  Et respondérunt Angelo Dómini, qui stabat inter myrtéta, et dixérunt : Perambulávimus terram, et ecce omnis terra habitátur et quiéscit.

And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.  Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.  And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.  And they answered the angel of the Lord that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Respóndit Angelus Dómini et dixit : Dómine exercítuum, * Usquequo tu non miseréberis Jerúsalem et úrbium Juda, quibus irátus es?
V.  Iste enim septuagésimus annus est.
R.  Usquequo tu non miseréberis Jerúsalem et úrbium Juda, quibus irátus es?

R.  Then the Angel of the Lord answered, and said : O Lord of hosts : *  How long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem, and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation?
V.  These three score and ten years.
R.  How long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem, and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation?

Benedíctio 3: Spíritus Sancti grátia illúminet sensus et corda nostra.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 3: May the grace of the Holy Spirit all our heart and mind enlighten.
R.  Amen.

Et levávi óculos meos et vidi, et ecce vir, et in manu ejus funículus mensórum ; et dixi : Quo tu vadis?  Et dixit ad me : Ut métiar Jerúsalem et vídeam quanta sit latitúdo ejus, et quanta longitúdo ejus.  Et ecce Angelus qui loquebátur in me, egrediebátur, et Angelus álius egrediebátur in occúrsum ejus et dixit ad eum : Curre, lóquere ad púerum istum dicens : Absque muro habitábitur Jerúsalem, præ multitúdine hóminum et jumentórum in médio ejus.  Et ego ero ei, ait Dóminus, murus ignis in circúitu, et in glória ero in médio ejus.

I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.  Then said I, Whither goest thou? And he said unto me, To measure Jerusalem, to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof.  And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him, and said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: for I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  In conspéctu Géntium nolíte timére ; vos enim in córdibus vestris adoráte et timéte Dóminum ; * Angelus enim ejus vobíscum est.
V.  Stetit Angelus juxta aram templi, habens thuríbulum áureum in manu sua.
R.  Angelus enim ejus vobíscum est.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Angelus enim ejus vobíscum est.

R.  When ye see the Gentiles, be not afraid of them, but in your hearts worship and fear God ; * For his Angel is with you.
V.  An Angel stood at the altar of the temple, having a golden censer in his hand.
R.  For his Angel is with you.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  For his Angel is with you.

Second Nocturn

Ant.    Cum essem vobíscum, * per voluntátem Dei eram : ipsum benedícite et cantáte ei.

Ant.    When I came unto you, * by the will of God I came ; bless him, and give him thanks.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 18. Cæli enarrant

Cæli enárrant glóriam Dei: * et ópera mánuum ejus annúntiat firmaméntum.
2  Dies diéi erúctat verbum, * et nox nocti índicat sciéntiam.
3  Non sunt loquélæ, neque sermónes, * quorum non audiántur voces eórum.
4  In omnem terram exívit sonus eórum: * et in fines orbis terræ verba eórum.
5  In sole pósuit tabernáculum suum: * et ipse tamquam sponsus procédens de thálamo suo.
6  Exsultávit ut gigas ad curréndam viam, * a summo cæli egréssio ejus.
7  Et occúrsus ejus usque ad summum ejus: * nec est qui se abscóndat a calóre ejus.
8  Lex Dómini immaculáta, convértens ánimas: * testimónium Dómini fidéle, sapiéntiam præstans párvulis.
9  Justítiæ Dómini rectæ, lætificántes corda: * præcéptum Dómini lúcidum illúminans óculos.
10  Timor Dómini sanctus, pérmanens in sæculum sæculi: * judícia Dómini vera, justificáta in semetípsa.
11  Desiderabília super aurum et lápidem pretiósum multum: * et dulcióra super mel et favum.
12  Etenim servus tuus custódit ea, * in custodiéndis illis retribútio multa.
13  Delícta quis intélligit? ab occúltis meis munda me: * et ab aliénis parce servo tuo.
14  Si mei non fúerint domináti, tunc immaculátus ero: * et emundábor a delícto máximo.
15  Et erunt ut compláceant elóquia oris mei: * et meditátio cordis mei in conspéctu tuo semper.
16  Dómine, adjútor meus, * et redémptor meus.

Psalm 18. Cæli enarrant

The heavens declare the glory of God; * and the firmament sheweth his handy-work.
2  One day uttereth speech unto another; * and night sheweth knowledge unto night.
3  There is neither speech nor language; * where their voices are not heard.
4  Their sound is gone out unto all the lands; * and their words unto the ends of the earth.
5  In the sun hath he set his tabernacle; * and he, as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
6  Hath rejoiced as a giant to run his course, * his going forth is from the uttermost part of the heaven.
7  And his circuit even unto the end thereof; * and there is no one that can hide himself from his heat.
8  The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul; * the testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple.
9  The statutes of the Lord are right, and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes.
10  The fear of the Lord is holy, and endureth for ever; * the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.
11  More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much precious stone; * sweeter also than honey, and the honeycomb.
12  For thy servant keepeth them; * and in keeping of them there is great reward.
13  Who can tell how oft he offendeth? O cleanse thou me from my secret faults : * save thy servant also from the sins of others.
14  If they get not the dominion over me, so shall I be undefiled, * and innocent from the great offence.
15  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please, * and the meditation of my heart be alway in thy sight.
16  O Lord, my strength * and my redeemer.

Ant.    Cum essem vobíscum, per voluntátem Dei eram : ipsum benedícite et cantáte ei.

Ant.    When I came unto you, by the will of God I came ; bless him, and give him thanks.

Ant.    Tollens se Angelus Dómini, * qui præcedébat castra Israël, ábiit post eos.

Ant.    The Angel of the Lord, * which went before the camp of Israel, removed, and went behind them.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 23. Domini est terra

Dómini est terra, et plenitúdo ejus: * orbis terrárum, et univérsi qui hábitant in eo.
2  Quia ipse super mária fundávit eum: * et super flúmina præparávit eum.
3  Quis ascéndit in montem Dómini? * aut quis stabit in loco sancto ejus?
4  Innocens mánibus et mundo corde, * qui non accépit in vano ánimam suam, nec jurávit in dolo próximo suo.
5  Hic accípiet benedictiónem a Dómino: * et misericórdiam a Deo, salutári suo.
6  Hæc est generátio quæréntium eum, * quæréntium fáciem Dei Jacob.
7  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras, et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
8  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus fortis et potens : Dóminus potens in prælio.
9  Attóllite portas príncipes vestras,  et elevámini portæ æternáles: * et introíbit Rex glóriæ.
10  Quis est iste Rex glóriæ? * Dóminus virtútum ipse est Rex glóriæ.

The earth is the Lord's, and all the fulness thereof; * the compass of the world, and they that dwell therein.
2  For he hath founded it upon the seas, * and stablished it upon the rivers.
3  Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? * or who shall stand in his holy place?
4  Even he that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; * and that hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor deceitfully sworn to his neighbour.
5  He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, * and mercy from God his saviour.
6  This is the generation of them that seek him; * even of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.
7  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
8  Who is this King of glory? * It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle.
9  Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting gates; * and the King of glory shall come in.
10  Who is this King of glory? * Even the Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Ant.    Tollens se Angelus Dómini, qui præcedébat castra Israël, ábiit post eos.

Ant.    The Angel of the Lord, which went before the camp of Israel, removed, and went behind them.

Ant.    Immíttet Angelus Dómini * in circúitu timéntium eum, et erípiet eos.

Ant.    Yea, the Angel of the Lord * tarrieth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 33.  Benedicam Dominum

Benedícam Dóminum in omni témpore : * semper laus ejus in ore meo.
2  In Dómino laudábitur ánima mea : * áudiant mansuéti, et læténtur.
3  Magnificáte Dóminum mecum : * et exaltémus nomen ejus in idípsum.
4  Exquisívi Dóminum, et exaudívit me : * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus meis erípuit me.
5  Accédite ad eum, et illuminámini : * et fácies vestræ non confundéntur.
6  Iste pauper clamávit, et Dóminus exaudívit eum : * et de ómnibus tribulatiónibus ejus salvávit eum.
7  Immíttet Angelus Dómini in circúitu timéntium eum : * et erípiet eos.
8  Gustáte, et vidéte quóniam suávis est Dóminus : * beátus vir, qui sperat in eo.
9  Timéte Dóminum, omnes sancti ejus : * quóniam non est inópia timéntibus eum.
10  Dívites eguérunt et esuriérunt : * inquiréntes autem Dóminum non minuéntur omni bono.
11  Veníte, fílii, audíte me : * timórem Dómini docébo vos.
12  Quis est homo qui vult vitam : * díligit dies vidére bonos?
13  Próhibe linguam tuam a malo : * et lábia tua ne loquántur dolum.
14  Divérte a malo, et fac bonum : * inquire pacem, et perséquere eam.
15  Oculi Dómini super justos : * et aures ejus in preces eórum.
16  Vultus autem Dómini super faciéntes mala : * ut perdat de terra memóriam eórum.
17  Clamavérunt justi, et Dóminus exaudívit eos : * et ex ómnibus tribulatiónibus eórum liberávit eos.
18  Juxta est Dóminus iis, qui tribuláto sunt corde : * et húmiles spíritu salvábit.
19  Multæ tribulatiónes justórum : * et de ómnibus his liberávit eos Dóminus.
20  Custódit Dóminus ómnia ossa eórum : * unum ex his non conterétur.
21  Mors peccatórum péssima : * et qui odérunt justum, delínquent.
22  Redimet Dóminus ánimas servórum suórum : * et non delínquent omnes qui sperant in eo.

Psalm 33.  Benedicam Dominum

I will bless the Lord alway; * his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2  My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; * the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3  O praise the Lord with me, * and let us magnify his Name together.
4  I sought the Lord, and he heard me; * yea, he delivered me out of all my troubles.
5  Come ye unto him, and be enlightened; * and your faces shall not be ashamed.
6  Lo, the poor hath cried out, and the Lord heard him; * yea, and hath saved him out of all his troubles.
7  The angel of the Lord shall tarry round about them that fear him, * and he shall deliver them.
8  O taste, and see that the Lord is gracious: * blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9  O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints; * for they that fear him lack nothing.
10  The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger; * but they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good.
11  Come, ye children, and hearken unto me; * I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12  What man is he that lusteth to live, * and would fain see good days?
13  Keep thy tongue from evil, * and thy lips, that they speak no guile.
14  Eschew evil, and do good; * seek peace, and ensue it.
15  The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, * and his ears are open unto their prayers.
16  The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, * to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17  The righteous have cried out, and the Lord heard them, * and hath delivered them out of all their troubles.
18  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, * and will save such as be of an humble spirit.
19  Great are the troubles of the righteous; * but the Lord delivereth him out of all.
20  He keepeth all his bones, * so that not one of them is broken.
21  But the death of the ungodly is most evil; * and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22  The Lord shall redeem the souls of his servants; * and all they that put their trust in him shall not be destitute.

Ant.    Immíttet Angelus Dómini in circúitu timéntium eum, et erípiet eos.

Ant.    Yea, the Angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

STAND

Absolutio: Ipsíus píetas et misericórdia nos ádjuvet, qui cum Patre et Spíritu Sancto vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.
R.  Amen.

Absolution:  May his loving-kindness and mercy assist us.  Who, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, for ever and ever.
R.  Amen.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 4: Deus Pater omnípotens sit nobis propítius et clemens.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 4:  May God the Father Almighty shew us his mercy and pity.
R.  Amen.

Angelis suis mandávit de te.  Mira dignátio, et vere magna diléctio caritátis.  Quis enim? quibus? de quo? quid mandávit?  Studióse considerémus, fratres, diligénter commendémus memóriæ hoc tam grande mandátum.  Quis enim mandávit? cujus sunt Angeli? cujus mandátis obtémperant? cujus obédiunt voluntáti?  Nempe Angelis suis mandávit de te, ut custódiant te in ómnibus viis tuis.  Nec cunctántur quin étiam in mánibus tollant te.  Summa ergo Majéstas mandávit Angelis, et Angelis suis mandávit.  Illis útique sublímibus, tam beátis quam próximis sibi cohæréntibus et vere domésticis mandávit de te.  Tu quis es?  Quid est homo, quod memor es ejus? aut fílius hóminis, quóniam réputas eum?  Quasi vero non sit homo putrédo, et fílius hóminis vermis!  Sed quid putas mandávit de te?  Ut custódiant te.

He hath given his Angels charge over thee.  A wonderful graciousness, and a wonderful outpouring of love.  For who hath given charge?  And what charge?  Unto whom?  And over whom?  Let us carefully consider, my brethren, let us carefully hold in mind this great charge.  For who hath given this charge?  To whom belong the Angels?  Whose commandment do they obey, and whose will do they do?  He hath given his Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways, and that not carelessly, for they shall bear thee in their hands.  The Highest Majesty, therefore, hath given charge unto Angels, even his Angels.  Unto these beings so excellently exalted, so blessed, so near to himself, even as his own household, unto these hath he given charge over thee.  Who art thou?  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?  Even as though man were not rottenness, and the son of man a worm.  But what charge hath he given them over thee?  To keep thee in all thy ways.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R. Vivit ipse Dóminus, * Quóniam custodívit me Angelus ejus et hinc eúntem et ibi commorántem et inde huc reverténtem.
V.  Et non permísit me Dóminus ancíllam suam coinquinári.
R.  Quóniam custodívit me Angelus ejus et hinc eúntem et ibi commorántem et inde huc reverténtem.

R.  As the Lord liveth, * His Angel hath kept me in my way that went thither, and in my sojourning there, and in mine home-coming again hither.
V.  And the Lord hath not suffered me that am his handmaid to be defiled.
R.  His Angel hath kept me in my way that went thither, and in my sojourning there, and in mine home-coming again hither.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 5: Christus perpétuæ det nobis gáudia vitæ.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 5: May Christ bestow upon us the joys of life eternal.
R.  Amen.

Quantum tibi debet hoc verbum inférre reveréntiam, afférre devotiónem, conférre fidúciam!  Reveréntiam pro præséntia, devotiónem pro benevoléntia, fidúciam pro custódia.  Caute ámbula, ut vidélicet cui adsunt Angeli, sicut eis mandátum est, in ómnibus viis tuis.  In quovis diversório, in quovis ángulo, Angelo tuo reveréntiam habe.  Tu ne áudeas illo præsénte, quod vidénte me non audéres.  An præséntem esse dúbitas, quem non vides?  Quid si audíres? quid si tángeres? quid si olfáceres?  Vide, quia non solo visu, rerum præséntia comprobétur.

What respect, what thankfulness, what trust, ought this word to work in thee!  Respect for their presence, thankfulness for their kindness, trust in their safe-keeping.  Walk carefully, as one with whom are Angels, as hath been laid in charge upon them, in all thy ways.  In every lodging, in every nook, have reverence for thine Angel.  Dare not to do in his presence what thou wouldst not dare to do in mine.  Or dost thou doubt whether he be indeed present, because thou seest him not?  What if thou heardest him?  What if thou touchedst him?  What if thou smelledst him?  Behold, not by sight alone is the presence of things made manifest.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  Angelus Dómini descéndit cum Azaría et sóciis ejus in fornácem, et excússit flammam ignis de fornáce ; * Et non tétigit eos omníno ignis neque contristávit.
V.  Benedíctus Deus eórum, qui misit Angelum suum, et éruit servos suos qui credidérunt in eum.
R.  Et non tétigit eos omníno ignis neque contristávit.

R.  The Angel of the Lord came down into the furnace together with Azariah and his fellows, and smote the flame of the fire out of the furnace ; * So that the fire touched them not at all, neither hurt them.
V.  Blessed be their God, who sent his Angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him.
R.  So that the fire touched them not at all, neither hurt them.

V.  Jube domne, (Dómine) benedícere.

V.  Vouchsafe, Reverend Father (O Lord), thy blessing.

Benedíctio 6: Ignem sui amóris accéndat Deus in córdibus nostris.
R.  Amen.

Benediction 6: May God enkindle in our hearts the fire of his holy love.
R.  Amen.

In ipso ítaque, fratres, affectuóse diligámus Angelos ejus, tamquam futúros aliquándo coherédes nostros, ínterim vero actóres et tutóres, a Patre pósitos et præpósitos nobis.  Quid sub tantis custódibus timeámus?  Nec superári nec sedúci, minus autem sedúcere possunt, qui custódiunt nos in ómnibus viis nostris.  Fidéles sunt, prudéntes sunt, poténtes sunt : quid trepidámus?  Tantum sequámur eos, adhæreámus eis, et in protectióne Dei cæli commorémur.  Quóties ergo gravíssima cérnitur urgére tentátio et tribulátio véhemens imminére, ínvoca custódem tuum, ductórem tuum, adjutórem tuum in opportunitátibus, in tribulatióne ; incláma eum et dic : Dómine, salva nos, perímus.

Let us also, brethren, dearly love his Angels, as them with whom we are one day to be co-heirs, and who in the meanwhile are leaders and guardians set over us by the Father.  With such guardians, whereof shall we be afraid?  They that keep us in all our ways, can neither be conquered nor corrupted, far less can they corrupt.  They are trusty, they are wary, they are mighty.  Whereof shall we be afraid?  Only let us follow them, only let us cleave unto them, and we shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  As often then as the gloom of temptation threateneth thee, or the sharpness of tribulation hangeth over thee, call upon him that keepeth thee, thy Shepherd, thy Refuge in times of trouble, call upon him, and say : Lord save us ; we perish.

V.  Tu autem, Dómine, miserére nobis.
R.  Deo grátias.

V.  But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
R.  Thanks be to God.

R.  In omni tribulatióne eórum non est tribulátus, * Et Angelus faciéi ejus salvávit eos.
V.  In dilectióne sua et indulgéntia sua ipse redémit eos, et portávit eos, et elevávit eos cunctis diébus sæculi.
R.  Et Angelus faciéi ejus salvávit eos.
V.  Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.
R.  Et Angelus faciéi ejus salvávit eos.

R.  In all their affliction he was not afflicted, * And the Angel of his presence saved them.
V.  In his love and in his pity he redeemed them ; and he bare them and carried them all the days of old.
R.  And the Angel of his presence saved them.
V.  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R.  And the Angel of his presence saved them.

Third Nocturn

Ant.    Misit Dóminus * Angelum suum, qui percússit omnem virum robústum et bellatórem, et príncipem exércitus regis Assyriórum.

Ant.    The Lord sent * his Angel, which cut off all the mighty of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the King of Assyria.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 95.  Cantate Domino

Cantáte Dómino cánticum novum: * cantáte Dómino, omnis terra.
2  Cantáte Dómino, et benedícite nómini ejus: * annuntiáte de die in diem salutáre ejus.
3  Annuntiáte inter gentes glóriam ejus, * in ómnibus pópulis mirabília ejus.
4  Quóniam magnus Dóminus, et laudábilis nimis: * terríbilis est super omnes deos.
5  Quóniam omnes dii Géntium dæmónia: * Dóminus autem cælos fecit.
6  Conféssio, et pulchritúdo in conspéctu ejus: * sanctimónia et magnificéntia in sanctificatióne ejus.
7  Afférte Dómino, pátriæ Géntium, afférte Dómino glóriam et honórem: * afférte Dómino glóriam nómini ejus.
8  Tóllite hóstias, et introíte in átria ejus: * adoráte Dóminum in átrio sancto ejus.
9  Commoveátur a fácie ejus univérsa terra: * dícite in Géntibus quia Dóminus regnávit.
10  Etenim corréxit orbem terræ qui non commovébitur: * judicábit pópulos in æquitáte.
11  Læténtur cæli, et exsúltet terra: commoveátur mare et plenitúdo ejus: * gaudébunt campi, et ómnia quæ in eis sunt.
12  Tunc exsultábunt ómnia ligna silvárum a fácie Dómini, quia venit: * quóniam venit judicáre terram.
13  Judicábit orbem terræ in æquitáte, * et pópulos in veritáte sua.

O sing unto the Lord a new song; * sing unto the Lord, all the whole earth.
2  Sing unto the Lord, and bless ye his Name; * be telling of his salvation from day to day.
3  Declare his glory among the heathen, * and his wonders among all peoples.
4  For the Lord is great, and exceeding worthy to be praised; * he is to be feared above all gods.
5  For all the gods of the heathen, they are but devils; * but it is the Lord that made the heavens.
6  Praise and beauty are before him; * holiness and majesty are in his sanctuary.
7  Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the nations, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour : * bring ye to the Lord the honour due unto his Name.
8  Bring ye sacrifices, and come into his courts : * O worship the Lord in his holy court.
9  Let the whole earth be moved at his presence : * tell it out among the heathen, that the Lord is King.
10  For he hath corrected the round world, which shall not be moved; * he shall judge the peoples with justice.
11  Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, let the sea be moved and all the fulness thereof : * the fields shall be joyful, and all that is in them.
12  Then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord, for he cometh : * yea, he cometh to judge the earth.
13  He shall judge the world with justice, * and the peoples with his truth.

Ant.    Misit Dóminus Angelum suum, qui percússit omnem virum robústum et bellatórem, et príncipem exércitus regis Assyriórum.

Ant.    The Lord sent his Angel, which cut off all the mighty of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the King of Assyria.

Ant.    Adoráte Dóminum * omnes Angeli ejus : audívit, et lætáta est Sion.

Ant.    Worship the Lord, * all ye his Angels : Zion heard and was glad.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 96.  Dominus regnavit

Dóminus regnávit exsúltet terra: * læténtur ínsulæ multæ.
2  Nubes, et calígo in circúitu ejus: * justítia, et judícium corréctio sedis ejus.
3  Ignis ante ipsum præcédet: * et inflammábit in circúitu inimícos ejus.
4  Illuxérunt fúlgura ejus orbi terræ: * vidit et commóta est terra.
5  Montes, sicut cera fluxérunt a fácie Dómini: * a fácie Dómini omnis terra.
6  Annuntiavérunt cæli justítiam ejus: * et vidérunt omnes pópuli glóriam ejus.
7  Confundántur omnes, qui adórant sculptília: * et qui gloriántur in simulácris suis.
8  Adoráte eum, omnes Angeli ejus: * audívit, et lætáta est Sion.
9  Et exsultavérunt fíliæ Judæ: * propter judícia tua, Dómine:
10  Quóniam tu Dóminus Altíssimus super omnem terram: * nimis exaltátus es super omnes deos.
11  Qui dilígitis Dóminum, odíte malum: * custódit Dóminus ánimas sanctórum suórum, de manu peccatóris liberábit eos.
12  Lux orta est justo, * et rectis corde lætítia.
13  Lætámini, justi in Dómino: * et confitémini memóriæ sanctificatiónis ejus.

The Lord hath reigned, may the earth be glad thereof; * yea, the multitude of the isles shall be joyful.
2  Clouds and darkness are round about him: * righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his seat.
3  There shall go a fire before him, * and burn up his enemies on every side.
4  His lightnings gave shine unto the world: * the earth saw it, and trembled.
5  The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord; * the whole earth at the presence of the Lord.
6  The heavens have declared his righteousness, * and all the peoples have seen his glory.
7  Confounded be all they that worship carved images, * and that delight in their vain gods.
8  Worship him, all ye his Angels : * Sion heard of it, and rejoiced.
9  And the daughters of Judah were glad, * because of thy judgments, O Lord.
10  For thou art the most high Lord over all the earth: * thou art exalted far above all gods.
11  O ye that love the Lord, hate evil: * the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints; he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly.
12  There is sprung up a light for the righteous, * and joy for such as are true-hearted.
13  Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; * and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness.

Ant.    Adoráte Dóminum omnes Angeli ejus : audívit, et lætáta est Sion.

Ant.    Worship the Lord, all ye his Angels : Zion heard and was glad.

Ant.    Benedícite Dómino, * omnes Angeli ejus, poténtes virtúte, faciéntes verbum illíus, ad audiéndam vocem sermónum ejus.

Ant.    O praise the Lord, * ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength ; ye that fulfil his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his word.

COMMENTARY

Psalmus 102. Benedic, anima mea

Bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino : * et ómnia, quæ intra me sunt, nómini sancto ejus.
2  Bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino : * et noli oblivísci omnes retributiónes ejus.
3  Qui propitiátur ómnibus iniquitátibus tuis : * qui sanat omnes infirmitátes tuas.
4  Qui rédimit de intéritu vitam tuam : * qui corónat te in misericórdia et miseratiónibus.
5  Qui replet in bonis desidérium tuum : * renovábitur ut áquilæ juvéntus tua.
6  Fáciens misericórdias Dóminus : * et judícium ómnibus injúriam patiéntibus.
7  Notas fecit vias suas Móysi, * fíliis Israël voluntátes suas.
8  Miserátor, et miséricors Dóminus : * longánimis et multum miséricors.
9  Non in perpétuum irascétur :  * neque in ætérnum comminábitur.
10  Non secúndum peccáta nostra fecit nobis : * neque secúndum iniquitátes nostras retríbuit nobis.
11  Quóniam secúndum altitúdinem cæli a terra : * corroborávit misericórdiam suam super timéntes se.
12  Quantum distat ortus ab occidénte : * longe fecit a nobis iniquitátes nostras.
13  Quómodo miserétur pater filiórum, misértus est Dóminus timéntibus se : * quóniam ipse cognóvit figméntum nostrum.
14  Recordátus est quóniam pulvis sumus : * homo, sicut fœnum dies ejus, tamquam flos agri sic efflorébit.
15  Quóniam spíritus pertransíbit in illo, et non subsistet : * et non cognóscet ámplius locum suum.
16  Misericórdia autem Dómini ab ætérno, * et usque in ætérnum super timéntes eum.
17  Et justítia illius in fílios filiórum, * his qui servant testaméntum ejus.
18   Et mémores sunt mandatórum ipsíus, * ad faciéndum ea.
19  Dóminus in cælo parávit sedem suam : * et regnum ipsíus ómnibus dominábitur.
20  Benedícite Dómino, omnes Angeli ejus : * poténtes virtúte, faciéntes verbum illius, ad audiéndam vocem sermónum ejus.
21  Benedícite Dómino, omnes virtútes ejus : * minístri ejus, qui fácitis voluntátem ejus.
22  Benedícite Dómino, ómnia ópera ejus : * in omni loco dominatiónis ejus, bénedic, ánima mea, Dómino.

Bless the Lord, O my soul; * and all that is within me, praise his holy Name.
2  Bless the Lord, O my soul, * and forget not all his benefits:
3  Who forgiveth all thy sin, * and healeth all thine infirmities;
4  Who saveth thy life from destruction, * and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness;
5  Who satisfieth thy desire with good things, * thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle's.
6  The Lord executeth righteousness * and judgment for all them that are oppressed with wrong.
7  He shewed his ways unto Moses, * his works unto the children of Israel.
8  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, * longsuffering, and of great goodness.
9  He will not alway be chiding; * neither keepeth he his anger for ever.
10  He hath not dealt with us after our sins; * nor rewarded us according to our wickednesses.
11  For according to the height of the heaven above the earth; * so great is his mercy also toward them that fear him.
12  As far as the east is from the west; * so far hath he removed our iniquities from us.
13  Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children, even so is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him : * for he knoweth whereof we are made.
14  He remembereth that we are but dust : * the days of man are but as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish.
15  For as soon as the wind goeth over it, it is gone; * and the place thereof shall know it no more.
16  But the merciful goodness of the Lord endureth for ever, * and for evermore upon them that fear him.
17  And his righteousness upon children's children; * even upon such as keep his covenant,
18  And think upon his commandments * and to the keeping thereof.
19  The Lord hath prepared his seat in heaven, * and his kingdom shall rule over all.
20  O bless the Lord, all ye angels of his, * ye that are mighty in strength, and fulfil his commandment, even ye that hearken unto the voice of his word.
21  O bless the Lord, all ye his hosts; * ye servants of his that do his pleasure.
22  O bless the Lord, all ye works of his, * in all places of his dominion, bless thou the Lord, O my soul.

Ant.    Benedícite Dómino, omnes Angeli ejus, poténtes virtúte, faciéntes verbum illíus, ad audiéndam vocem sermónum ejus.

Ant.    O praise the Lord, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength ; ye that fulfil his commandment, and hearken unto the voice of his word.

STAND